Why Canberra Should Be on Top of Your Spring School Holiday List

Wanting a spring school holiday without spending the big bucks? Put Australia's capital on your radar with our top picks of ideas to keep both you and your kids entertained.

1. See your favourite DreamWorks movie characters Shrek, Toothless and Po at the National Museum of Australia's DreamWorks Animations: The exhibition starting 12 September 2019. This fascinating exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the studio's collaborative, artistic and visionary approach.
2. Relive your childhood and explore retro games at the Game Masters exhibition at the National Film and Sound Archive (opens 27 September 2019). Take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of popular franchises dating back from where gaming began 50 years ago and pick up a controller to test your skills – there's more than 80 to play.
3. If you love seeing big military objects up close, then the Australian War Memorial's Big Things in Store annual open day on 5 October at its warehouse is one not to miss. From aircraft to rockets and tanks, this is an exclusive opportunity to see inside the Memorial's storage annexe that's not normally open to the public. 
4. Floriade comes alive with a World in Bloom theme in Commonwealth Park from 14 September to 13 October. Best of all, it's free and packed full of plenty of family friendly activities. The theme is integrated across 21 flowerbeds and 189 portable raised flowerbeds positioned throughout the park. You'll find a brimming program of live entertainment, food, drinks and market stalls plus KidzKlub.
5. GIO Stadium in Canberra will be a sea of green and gold when the Caltex Socceroos take on Nepal on their road to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualification on 10 October.
6. Spend a night under the stars family glamping at the Wildfest Pop-Up Wilderness Family Camp at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve over the school holidays. With ranger talks, dinner by the campfire and much more, you'll have a new appreciation for this area on the northern edge of Australia's Alps.
7. Lay back on a bean bag and gaze at The Moon at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. At 7 metres in diameter, The Moon is based on a high resolution photograph taken from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter camera and was designed by UK artist Luke Jerram.
8. Hire a bike and cycle around Lake Burley Griffin. The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point hires out Brompton Bikes complete with helmet and lock so you can stop off at the various cultural attractions dotted around the lake.
9. Explore Floriade's dark side at Floriade NightFest from 3-6 October. This ticketed event has a changing line-up of entertainment each night, including The Veronica's, Dave Hughes, Urzila Carlson and more. With foodie experiences and interactive light displays, there's something for everyone at this popular event.
10. Take your littles ones to the National Dinosaur Museum in Gold Creek where they'll learn about the Muttaburrasaurus and see one of the largest permanent displays of dinosaurs and prehistoric life in Australia. Guided tours are a great way to explore this Museum.
11. Bored teens? Keep them engaged with a guided segway tour around Lake Burley Griffin with some freestyling allowed on the grass between Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery. You'll find SegGlideRide located on the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin near the International flag display.
12. Play spot the famous face at the National Portrait Gallery that reopens to the public on 14 September. There's plenty of activities for kids over the holidays including Art Cart, Portrait Play and Little Faces. Big kids will love the Women In Vogue exhibition opening 11 October featuring artworks of Australian women who have graced Vogue magazine.
13. For a fun family experience, consider packing a picnic and hiring an electric GoBoat from the Kingston Foreshore to sail Lake Burley Griffin. They're environmentally friendly and easy to use, and you'll get a new perspective on Canberra's lakeside attractions.
14. Have you ever wanted to check out what's behind the gates of many of Canberra's embassies and high commissions? During Windows to the World (5 October, 12-13 and 19-20 October) you'll be able to do just that but make sure you book when the program is announced shortly as spaces are limited at many embassies.
15. Watch dragon lizards lazing in the sun as you skip across rocks in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and walk the many trails. Climb the treehouse made from wood salvaged from Baz Luhrmann's Australia film set and fuel up with brunch at the Hamptons-inspired Pollen Cafe.